Need some Sound advice -

Hello PUREOC! Over the holidays I upgraded the core parts of my system, the specs on the side are current, now I'm looking ahead for the sound and screen. The monitor most likely will be a 24" from ASUS. Speakers will be Logitech Z623. For the sound card I'm looking for something that isn't Creative Labs. To me they seem like the Intel of sound cards, so I'm looking at other brands. The problem I'm having is this - I will be going crossfire on my Sabertooth 990FX, but the PCI slot will be covered. So, PCI-E x1 is necessary. The only thing I've found is 2 from ASUS, the Xonar DX and the Essence STX, and 1 from HT Omega, the eClaro. Are there any others worth a look or would one of these 3 be a good choice? The primary use for this system is games and movies.

Re: Need some Sound advice -

Welcome to PureOC!!! Glad you decided to ask your question here.

I can not think of any sound card that works pci-e x1 that is worth looking at outside of the ones you already listed. I know you have an aversion to CL but you have to admit they know what they are doing. Been doing longer then anyone else. If I had to pick another I'd go with the Sonar DX.

Re: Need some Sound advice -

I concur with Cyberburnout: no reason to sidestep Creative Labs, otherwise the ASUS Xonar DX is a fine choice; well reviewed. Whereas the ASUS Xonar Essence STX would be overkill unless you are looking to step up into audiophile territory ... I do have one myself since it shines for more serious speakers and headphones. However, if you are indeed leaning towards the Essence STX, then you might be interested in knowing that ASUS recently announced the Essence STX II.

Re: Need some Sound advice -

I'm gonna take this opportunity to ask a question as well. I noticed that the sampling rate of the Xonar and the Realtek ALC892 chipset on the board is the same at 192KHz. What are the benefits of going to a sound card versus on board audio, especially if you're only using a stereo or 2.1 set up? Is it worth the money to buy a sound card?

Re: Need some Sound advice -

Originally Posted by joshjaks

I'm gonna take this opportunity to ask a question as well. I noticed that the sampling rate of the Xonar and the Realtek ALC892 chipset on the board is the same at 192KHz. What are the benefits of going to a sound card versus on board audio, especially if you're only using a stereo or 2.1 set up? Is it worth the money to buy a sound card?

Like Zerochill said, audiophile territory. If you have a cheap ass set of speakers no. Regular headset, no. But if you spent $400 on your headphones to listen to Miles Davis in LossLess HD audio, yes it makes sense to have a better soundcard. One that does not have the low gain and distortion as an integrated one. Same goes for those that are serious about the movie experience and forked out Hundreds if not thousands for a surround system. The same can be said for those that are serious gamers and want to hear a blade of grass blowing in a breeze. 600ohm headset in True 7.1HD Audio. yep, they need a dedicated sound card.

But for most of us, the integrated sound card is good enough. It produces the sounds we need and we are oblivious to what we don't hear. That is until you do hear it, then you are on your way to buying a discrete sound card of your own. Like me. It is on my shopping list after using a set of Trittion Tru 7.1 Gaming Headsets on a game I have been playing. DarkSiders 2. The same level I was just playing had new meaning when I heard what wasnt there before. Directional sounds all of the small things to create a full experience most of us miss out on. I want to hear more and want it to be better!!!

The biggest benefit to a discrete sound card is, the sound will be processed in the codec it was made for. Not software emulated in Windows. All CPU overhead will be eliminated as well. There are some compelling reasons to do discrete but if your not going to get the speakers or head phones to match, don't waste your time or money.

Re: Need some Sound advice -

That makes sense. I have a set of 6" Bose bookshelf speakers I use for my comp, but the amplifier I'm using is just a Pyle. It's good enough sound that I'm happy with it, and I'm fairly picky. Problem is, I don't have the hundreds of dollars to get a top notch system, but I bet I would appreciate if I had it. My set up is good for most sounds and has a pleasant music experience though.